{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1755176,
        "msgid": "plane-returns-to-base-after-13-passengers-suffer-ear-pain-1779542594",
        "date": "2026-05-21 17:15:02",
        "title": "Plane Returns to Base After 13 Passengers Suffer Ear Pain",
        "author": "Ni Nyoman Wira Widyanti",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Infrastructure",
        "summary": "An Allegiant Air flight bound for Atlantic City returned to Fort Lauderdale after cabin pressure fluctuations caused ear pain among several passengers. Medical crews treated 13 people, with three evacuated to hospital for further checks, and the flight subsequently departed again later in the day; the airline offered cash compensation and vouchers to those affected.",
        "content": "<p>KOMPAS.com - Allegiant Air flight was forced to turn back on Monday\n(18 May 2026) after the pilot detected an issue with cabin air pressure,\ncausing several passengers to experience ear pain. The Boeing 737-8200,\nbound for Atlantic City, United States, departed from Fort\nLauderdale\u2013Hollywood International Airport in Florida at 09:20 local\ntime with 187 people onboard. Medical and paramedic teams were promptly\ndispatched to the arrivals gate to provide first aid shortly after the\naircraft landed, according to Aviation Today, on Thursday (21 May 2026).\n\u2018In order to safeguard safety, the pilot immediately reduced altitude\nand decided to return to the departure airport,\u2019 said Padgett. The\nairline said there was no emergency declared by either the crew or the\nAir Traffic Control tower. The plane reportedly landed normally and\nsafely before all passengers disembarked via the usual gate. However,\nthe cabin pressure change during take-off phase caused several\npassengers to report physical discomfort. Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office\nFire-Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane said paramedics conducted\nmedical evaluations of passengers and cabin crew upon the plane\u2019s\narrival at the airport. \u2018We treated a total of 13 people who reported\nsevere ear pain or barotrauma. Three of them were evacuated to a nearby\nhospital for further assessment,\u2019 Kane said, quoted by the Miami Herald.\nThe flight to Atlantic City eventually departed again at 15:02 local\ntime. As compensation, Allegiant Air offered a cash payment of $100 USD\n(about Rp 1.7 million) to each affected passenger. Passengers were also\ngiven the option of a travel voucher worth $150 USD (about Rp 2.6\nmillion). \u2018We apologise sincerely to our customers for the inconvenience\ncaused to their travel plans,\u2019 Padgett said.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/plane-returns-to-base-after-13-passengers-suffer-ear-pain-1779542594",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}